Living space forming equipment

ABSTRACT

A residence space forming equipment is provided including a plurality of partition panels to be interconnected for forming a residence space, wherein: some of the partition panels define a gateway therebetween for entry into and exit from the residence space; and the partition panels defining the gateway are interconnected through a guide member having at least one portion protruding horizontally from the partition panels to indicate the presence of the gateway. This construction makes it possible to enhance the efficiency of an organization of a knowledge-intensive type markedly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to residence space formingequipment which is applicable to knowledge-intensive organizations andthe like particularly advantageously.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Recently, there has been made a proposal of a system capable ofconverting the use of a workspace of an office into a different use andcustomizing such a workspace to meet the need.

[0003] Such an office system has been proposed as a system capable ofconstructing a totalized workspace based on “unification of modules” and“optionality” as mainstays with respect mainly to furniture so thatfunctions of the workspace can be selected freely and that conversion ofuse of the workspace can be made as desired, on the assumption thatthere are diversified working styles in a center office.

[0004] That is, the office system is constructed aiming principally atsuch functionality as to form an independent group work dedicated space,a personal work dedicated space or the like appropriately through thechanging of the arrangement of furniture and the attaching or detachingof optional members with changing work style.

[0005] From now on, however, it seems that: work styles will change withincreasing amounts of non-routine works for individuals or groups;workplaces will change from center offices into flexible and diversifiedoffice forms such as remote offices, mobile offices and home offices;and center offices will have an increased number of communication areasand service areas. With respect to specialist teams or knowledge workteams, the form of a team will continuously change with progress of awork in the procedure of one development through, for example,repetitive and frequent meeting and parting of staff members about groupworks and changes in the number and actions of such members.

[0006] It is indispensable for a working environment suited for such awork style to be capable of not only easy conversion of use of aworkspace and easy customization of such a workspace but alsoappropriate selection of spaces suitable for diversified works ofindividuals or groups and for the number of working people as well as toensure a chain of actions and continuity of moves as selection of suchworks and places changes. To this end, it is desirable to create anenvironment wherein: areas of different uses or different functions beloosely connected to each other; and each member of a team somehow graspthe flow of the task of the whole team and the locations of othermembers and documents.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the foregoingproblem. One object of the present invention is to raise the efficiencyof a knowledge-intensive organization markedly through a systemconfiguration that realizes the provisions of diversified spacefunctions on a use-by-use basis, semi-transparently screened spaces andseamless space layout, which serve as the mainstays in constructing anoffice system.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide residencespace forming equipment useful in attaining the above-described object.

[0009] That is, the present invention provides residence space formingequipment comprising a plurality of erected planar members to beinterconnected for forming a residence space, characterized in that:some of the erected planar members define a gateway therebetween forentry into and exit from the residence space; and the erected planarmembers defining the gateway are interconnected through a guide memberhaving at least one portion protruding horizontally from an erectedplanar surface to indicate the presence of the gateway.

[0010] With the residence space forming equipment thus constructed, theguide member serves as a guidepost indicating the location of thegateway of the residence space thereby ensuring highly efficient andsmooth operability for a work team or the like through a chain ofactions and continuity of moves. Particularly where erected planarsurfaces are continuous with each other to form a long wall, such a longwall gives a monotonous impression and a sensation of pressure topeople. The guide member, however, brings about a change in designthereby overcoming such an inconvenience. The guide member is configurednot only to serve as a guidepost but also to play the role of aconnection member for interconnecting erected planar members. Thus, suchconnection is capable of effectively preventing each erected planarmember from being supported on one side only and is effective inproperly fixing the guide member to erected planar members.

[0011] Such functions and effects can be fulfilled through the followingspecific embodiments:

[0012] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair oferected planar members positioned perpendicularly to each other; and theguide member is of a substantially ¼ arc shape interconnecting the pairof erected planar members.

[0013] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair oferected planar members positioned perpendicularly to each other; and theguide member is of a loop shape interconnecting the pair of erectedplanar members.

[0014] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair oferected planar members forming wall surfaces which are continuous andflush with each other; and the guide member is of a substantially ½ arcshape interconnecting the pair of erected planar members.

[0015] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair oferected planar members forming wall surfaces which are continuous andflush with each other; and the guide member is of a loop shapeinterconnecting the pair of erected planar members.

[0016] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between threeerected planar members assembled to form a substantially “T”-shape; andthe guide member is of a substantially ½ arc shape interconnecting thethree erected planar members.

[0017] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between threeerected planar members assembled to form a substantially “T”-shape; andthe guide member is of a loop shape interconnecting the three erectedplanar members.

[0018] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between fourerected planar members assembled to form a cross shape; and the guidemember is of a loop shape interconnecting the four erected planarmembers.

[0019] To enhance the function of such a guide member effectively, it isdesirable that the guide member be capable of fitting a portion thereofto an erected planar member positioned in a vertical plane that does notextend through the center of an arc formed by the guide member.

[0020] It is also desirable that the guide member have a function ofbeing fitted to an erected planar member positioned in a vertical planeextending in any direction through the center of an arc formed by theguide member within an effective fitting range.

[0021] In order for wiring or the like to pass through the gateway, itis desirable that the guide member have a wiring installing function.

[0022] In order for the guiding function to be enhanced moreeffectively, it is preferred that the guide member be provided with alighting instrument on an upper or lower side thereof, or that the guidemember have a characteristic configuration matching the function of thegateway.

[0023] As described above, the residence space forming equipment of thepresent invention comprises a plurality of erected planar members to beinterconnected for forming a residence space, wherein: some of theerected planar members define a gateway therebetween for entry into andexit from the residence space; and the erected planar members definingthe gateway are interconnected through a guide member having at leastone portion protruding horizontally from an erected planar surface toindicate the presence of the gateway.

[0024] With the residence space forming equipment thus constructed, theguide member serves as a guidepost indicating the location of thegateway of the residence space thereby ensuring highly efficient andsmooth operability for a work team or the like through a chain ofactions and continuity of moves. Particularly where erected planarsurfaces are continuous with each other to form a long wall, such a longwall gives a monotonous impression and a sensation of pressure topeople. The guide member, however, brings about a change in designthereby overcoming such an inconvenience. The guide member is configurednot only to serve as a guidepost but also to play the role of aconnection member for interconnecting erected planar members. Thus, suchconnection is capable of effectively preventing each erected planarmember from being supported on one side only and is effective inproperly fixing the guide member to erected planar members.

[0025] The guide member can have a novel shape which enhances thefunctions of the guide member as a guidepost and as an accent, if theguide member has a loop shape or partial loop shape matching the form ofthe gateway in the following specific embodiments:

[0026] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair oferected planar members positioned perpendicularly to each other; and theguide member is of a substantially ¼ arc shape interconnecting the pairof erected planar members.

[0027] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair oferected planar members positioned perpendicularly to each other; and theguide member is of a loop shape interconnecting the pair of erectedplanar members.

[0028] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair oferected planar members forming wall surfaces which are continuous andflush with each other; and the guide member is of a substantially ½ arcshape interconnecting the pair of erected planar members.

[0029] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair oferected planar members forming wall surfaces which are continuous andflush with each other; and the guide member is of a loop shapeinterconnecting the pair of erected planar members.

[0030] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between threeerected planar members assembled to form a substantially “T”-shape; andthe guide member is of a substantially ½ arc shape interconnecting thethree erected planar members.

[0031] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between threeerected planar members assembled to form a substantially “T”-shape; andthe guide member is of a loop shape interconnecting the three erectedplanar members.

[0032] An embodiment wherein: the gateway is defined between fourerected planar members assembled to form a cross shape; and the guidemember is of a loop shape interconnecting the four erected planarmembers.

[0033] If the guide member is capable of fitting a portion thereof to anerected planar member positioned in a vertical plane that does notextend through the center of an arc formed by the guide member, it ispossible to arrange such an erected planar member independent of abuilding module effectively.

[0034] If the guide member is capable of being fitted to an erectedplanar member positioned in a vertical plane extending in any directionthrough the center of an arc formed by the guide member within aneffective fitting range, wall surfaces assembled at an angle other thanperpendicularly or linearly can be interconnected effectively, which iseffective in diversifying the form of the residence space.

[0035] In the case where wiring or the like needs to be routed to aposition crossing the gateway is needed, the guide member, if impartedwith a wiring installing function, can effectively avoid the occurrenceof such an inconvenience as to cause frequent occurrences ofdisconnection because of the wiring becoming an obstacle against entryand exit or as to impair the outward appearance or the function of anoffice.

[0036] With the guide member provided with a lighting instrument on anupper or lower side thereof, a ceiling surface or a floor surface can beilluminated as reflecting the shape of the guide member and, hence, thevisual effect of the guide member as a guidepost of the gateway can beenhanced more effectively.

[0037] With the guide member having a characteristic configurationmatching the function of the gateway, the gateway can be recognized evenfrom a distant place with a traffic line made clear, whereby a chain ofactions and continuity of moves can be enhanced effectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038]FIG. 1 is a conceptual illustration showing a concept based onwhich one embodiment of the present invention is to be constructed.

[0039]FIG. 2 is an illustration showing a conventional constructioncorresponding to FIG. 1.

[0040]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a construction embodying the conceptshown in FIG. 1.

[0041]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a construction developed as a moreconcrete design from the construction shown in FIG. 3.

[0042]FIG. 5 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 4.

[0043]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a panel used in the embodiment.

[0044]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a residencespace according to the embodiment.

[0045]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a residencespace according to the embodiment.

[0046]FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a function of the panelused in the embodiment.

[0047]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing interior equipment securedto the panel used in the embodiment by engagement.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0048] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings.

[0049] Residence space forming equipment according to this embodiment isconstructed to support a specialist team or knowledge work team, forexample, a research and development team of a suggestion type, adesigning team or the like.

[0050] To improve the team performance of such a knowledge work team, apersonal creative process support is needed for autonomous knowledgeworkers, while on the other hand a group creative process support neededfor non-routine and communication processes.

[0051] Taking into consideration the points: a work style of this typeis for a flexible knowledge-intensive organization; and importanceshould be attached to team performance, and like points, and in view ofthe influence brought by the combination of a personal space and ashared space, the residence space is formed as follows.

[0052] First, work areas and shared areas are considered as areas to beformed. Then, as shown in the conceptual illustration at FIG. 1, workareas a1 to a6 are divided into two groups, which in turn are arrangedadjacent to shared areas b1 to b3, whereby the shared areas b1 to b3 canbe utilized as a passageway for traffic between work areas a1 to a3 andwork areas a4 to a6. For example, areas a2 and a5 are provided as groupwork areas GW for working on a group basis, while areas a1, a3, a4 anda6 provided as personal work areas PW for working on an individualbasis. Shared areas b1 and b3 are interaction areas INT and shared areab2 is a service area SV. These areas a1 to a6 and b1 to b3 allow directtraffic between adjacent shared areas, between adjacent work areas andbetween a shared area and a work area, which are situated adjacent toeach other.

[0053]FIG. 2 shows a conventional system for comparison with the systemshown in FIG. 1, wherein there is a dedicated passageway c4 between workarea c1 and shared areas c2 and c3 (i.e., service area c2 andcommunication area c3).

[0054] While FIG. 1 is a conceptual illustration in which circles areshown as overlapping each other to mean that areas are vaguelycontinuous with each other, FIG. 3 is an illustration in which partinglines PL between areas are clearly shown to embody the concept of FIG. 1to some extent. In FIG. 3 corresponding to FIG. 1, shared areas b1 andb3 are interaction areas INT and shared area b2 is a service area SV.Work areas a2 and a5 are group work areas GW, while work areas a1, a3,a4 and a6 are personal work areas PW. That is, this design includes sixwork areas a1 to a6 and three shared areas b1 to b3, the shared areas b1to b3 being arranged serially, the work areas a1 to a3 and the workareas a4 to a6 being arranged serially on opposite sides of the sharedareas b1 to b3. FIG. 3 clearly shows a conception of opening a partingline PL at a location where areas meet together and providing a gateway3 at that location in order to allow traffic between adjacent sharedareas, between adjacent work areas and between a shared area and a workarea adjacent thereto as well as to realize an embodiment having areasvaguely continuous with each other.

[0055]FIGS. 4 and 5 show a more specific design developed from FIG. 3.Areas a1 to a6 and b1 to b3 are separated from each other by joiningpartition panels 1 and 1 x (movable partition walls) with each other,the partition panels being erected planar members. There is no dedicatedpassageway on the inner sides of partition panels lx delineating theouter extremity of these areas a1 to a6 and b1 to b3, but dedicatedpassageways 2 are provided on the outer sides of all the partitionpanels 1 x.

[0056] The shared areas b1 to b3 are utilized as passageways because theshared areas b1 to b3 are centered as a traffic line for traffic betweenthe work areas a1 to a3 and the work areas a4 to a6 or between the workareas and the outside to form a residence space of an excursion typewhich offers an increased number of chances of encounter and finding orof an arrangement which permits residence of workers, thereby inducingsmooth communication between workers.

[0057] There is no dedicated passageway on the inner sides of thepartition panels 1 x delineating the outer extremity of the areasbecause the function of the shared areas b1 to b3 as passageways is tobe made effective and because the whole area is to be used as acontinuous area which is useful with no waste, highly efficient andsystematic. Further, all the peripheral areas are used as dedicatedpassageways 2 because the space inside the dedicated passageways 2 isdefinitely delimited as a region for one team or the like, so thatdifferentiation from and communication with other teams can be madeeffectively.

[0058] While areas a1 to a6 and b1 to b3 are delimited from each otherand from the passageways 2 with the partition panels 1 arranged to forma letter of “T” or “+”, the partition panels 1 are not closed at acorner of each area. That is, this open corner defines gateway 3 whichallows direct traffic between one area and another area located adjacentor diagonal thereto. This embodiment allows direct traffic with threeareas at the maximum. Such a gateway 3 is applicable to a maximum offour of the corners of an area demarcated rectangular. It is needless tosay that there is no need to provide a gateway at a corner at which theprovision of a gateway is unnecessary.

[0059] Each area is provided with gateway 3 at a corner for allowingdirect traffic with other areas therethrough as described above becauseselectable areas are effectively arranged within a proper walkingdistance thereby making the traffic between areas smooth and rapid. Thisarrangement facilitates meeting and parting of workers thereby realizinga layout of the “the right job in the right place” type for supportingselective moves depending on jobs and ensuring a chain of actions andthe continuity of moves through a seamless environment between areas.That is, a chain of actions and the continuity of moves in a team workare ensured for workers; for example, it is possible that a workerperforms his or her own operation intensively in the personal work areaPW, then moves to the group work area GW for a meeting, presentation orthe like, optionally enters the interaction area INT if necessary, andreturns to the personal work area PW for intensive operation. Also,accidental meeting of the worker with another worker in a shared areaduring his or her move can facilitate communication therebetween. Theeffect of supporting workers in this way is enhanced as the number ofother areas connected to one area through gateway 3 increases.

[0060] In this embodiment, which is an arrangement where different areasare arranged lengthwise and crosswise in a matrix fashion with thepartition panels 1 separating one area from another, rows and columns ofareas form functional lines on each of which a set of functions aregathered.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 5, right-hand lengthwise line LVR and left-handlengthwise line LVL, which consist of areas arranged lengthwise andcrosswise into a matrix pattern, form dedicated lines PL on each ofwhich dedicated areas are grouped, while middle lengthwise line LVMforms a shared line GL on which shared areas are grouped. At the sametime, upper crosswise line LHO and lower crosswise line LHU form worklines WL, while middle crosswise line LHM forms non-work line NWL(including the right-hand and left-hand areas functioning as interactionareas and the middle area functioning as a service area). That is, theselines provide the office space with personal work areas (PW) a1, a3, a4and a6, group work areas (GW) a2 and a5, interaction areas (INT) b1 andb3, and service area (SV) b2. Though the interaction areas (INT) b1 andb3 in this embodiment are shared areas rather than dedicated areas, thepresent invention does not exclude an area layout including such anexceptional area as long as other areas are arranged in accordance withthe aforementioned lengthwise or crosswise functional lines.

[0062] While such a systematic functional layout for an office spacefunctions effectively even when it is a minimum unit consisting of fourareas gathered, the function of the layout becomes striking when six ormore areas are gathered.

[0063] Such a matrix layout is employed because the function of eacharea can be grasped easily and because efficient arrangement of elementscan be made on a function-by-function basis when the infrastructureincluding equipment for electricity, gas, water system and the like isto be constructed. Further, such an arrangement permits the provision ofa multiplicity of selectable areas within a proper walking regionthereby realizing a layout of the “the right job in the right place”type for supporting selective move depending on jobs.

[0064] Here, an example of the construction of each area is illustrated.Each dedicated work area PW (area a1, a3, a4 or a6 in FIGS. 4 and 5, orarea d1 in FIG. 6) is constructed to have a total area of about 6 to 4m² per seat, to accommodate about 5 to 8 persons therein, and to providea place for intensive knowledge work. Alternatively, the dedicated workarea PW ensures a visitor space or the like when a nonrepetitive work isto be done in this area only. Of course, this team-dedicated area can bemade to function as a group work area. In this area are placed worksurfaces such as defined by desks and whiteboards and clearboards ofpersonal sizes. These elements are preferably elements of an independenttype having low interdependence. The work surfaces include work surfacesof different heights to accommodate to a plurality of paralleloperations, so that the space can be utilized as efficiently as possibleand that an environment allowing a plurality of operations to proceed ata time can be provided.

[0065] The shared work areas GW (areas a2 and a5 in FIGS. 4 and 5), onthe other hand, are each constructed to accommodate 5 to 8 persons atthe maximum therein and to provide a place for discussion or meeting. Ineach of these areas are provided work surfaces such as of tables adaptedfor group work and whiteboards and clearboards of group sizes. The worksurfaces include work surfaces of different heights to the effect sameas described above.

[0066] The interaction areas (areas b1 and b3 in FIGS. 4 and 5) eachprovide a place for chatting or relaxation as a break or a coffee barfor example at a location adjacent work areas. These interaction areasb1, b3 and g1 each may be provided with work surfaces by installingtables or the like as the need arises.

[0067] The service area (area b2 in FIGS. 4 and 5) is provided withfurniture and equipment required for different services as a copycorner, mail corner, library and retrieval equipment.

[0068] According to the conventional area distribution, the mainimportance is attached to personal work areas, while the supplementalimportance attached to group work areas. In one preferred form of thisembodiment, however, a larger weight is put on group work areas so thatthe proportion of the total area of group work areas GW and interactionareas INT becomes substantially equal to the proportion of the totalarea of personal work areas PW.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, this embodiment is further providedwith a guide member 4 at a location above each gateway 3 of a residencespace enclosed with the partition panels 1 each comprising an erectedplanar member, the guide member 4 having at least one portion extendinghorizontally to interconnect panels 1 on opposite sides of the gateway3.

[0070] Such a guide member 4 is provided because the guide member 4serves as a guidepost for persons present in the area or walking in thededicated passageways to know the location of the gateway 3 of theresidence space as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 thereby ensuring highlyefficient and smooth operability for a work team or the like through achain of actions and continuity of moves. Particularly where the erectedplanar surfaces continue with each other to form a long wall as shown inFIG. 8, such a long wall gives a monotonous impression and a sensationof pressure to people. The guide member 4, however, brings about achange in design thereby overcoming such an inconvenience. The guidemember 4 is configured not only to serve as a guidepost but also to playthe role of a connection member for connecting one panel 1 to another.Thus, such connection is capable of effectively prevent each panel 1from being supported on one side only and aids in properly fixing theguide member 4 to panel 1. Further, the guide member 4 can be utilizedas a wiring path between panels 1.

[0071] Specific forms of guide member 4 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 includeguide member 4 of a ¼ arc or loop shape used for gateway 3 definedbetween a pair of panels 1 positioned perpendicularly to each other,guide member 4 of a ½ arc or loop shape used for gateway 3 definedbetween a pair of panels 1 forming wall surfaces which are continuousand flush with each other, guide member 4 of a ½ arc or loop shape usedfor gateway 3 defined between three panels 1 assembled to form a‘T’-shape, and guide member 4 of a loop shape used for gateway 3 definedbetween four panels 1 assembled to form a “+”-shape.

[0072] Such a guide member 4 of a loop shape or a partial loop shape isused because the shape thereof is novel and hence enhances the functionsas a guidepost and as an accent effectively.

[0073] In this embodiment, the guide member 4 of a loop or a partialloop shape has a function of fitting a portion thereof to even a panel 1positioned in a vertical plane that does not extend through the centerof an arc formed by the guide member 4. This function is shown as therelation between panel 1 y and guide member 4 y in FIGS. 4 and 5. Wherethe guide member 4 protrudes largely from a panel 1 or in a like case,the guide member 4 may be supported with a pillar.

[0074] The guide member 4 imparted with such a function is capable ofconnecting panels positioned as somewhat deviated from their respectivedesired positions to appropriate portions of the loop, thereby providinga construction which has a higher degree of freedom as to thearrangement of panels and basically does not need a given moduleaccording to which the panels are arranged.

[0075] The partition panels 1 employed to partition the area in thisembodiment are lattice panels as shown in FIG. 6.

[0076] Specifically, these panels 1 each comprise a pair of latticeworkstructures 11 that are positioned opposite to each other across a framemember 12 with a predetermined spacing S therebetween so that theirrespective crossed pieces 1 a are aligned with each other with an equalpitch and in a same phase, the latticework structures 11 in thisposition being coupled to each other via the frame member 12. That is,the latticework structures 11 are fitted to the frame member so as tosandwich it therebetween. In this embodiment each of the structures 11is vertically divided into three portions, which, as a whole, form asingle structure when fitted to the frame member 12. The materialemployed for forming the latticework structures 11 is a carbon fiberreinforced plastic for example.

[0077] The panel 1, which is constructed in compliance with a buildingmodule for a building having a pillar pitch of 3600 mm for example, hasan overall dimensions including width W=900 mm and height H=2100 mm (aportion extending in height is omitted in FIG. 6). The latticework ofthe panel 1 is symmetric with respect to both a vertical line and atransverse line. The squares defined by the crossed pieces of thelatticework of the panel are arranged with a widthwise pitch p1 of about100 mm and with a vertical pitch p2 of about 25 mm for example. Eachcrossed piece is in the form of a flat plate having a width T of about 4mm and a depth D of about 20 mm. Of course, these dimensions may beestablished appropriately to meet the purpose or use.

[0078] The panel 1 is thus constructed for the purposes of: lighteningthe panel 1 for the ease of assembly and disassembly of the panel 1without impairing the basic function of the panel 1 as a delimitingwall; improving the operating efficiency associated with assembly anddisassembly of the panel 1 by allowing the operator to grip a portion ofthe latticework of the panel 1 in assembling or disassembling the panel1; and allowing the panel 1 to be assembled properly without error. Thepanel 1 is vertically divided into three portions for convenience ofhandling and for the intermediate portion to be removed to allow thepanel 1 to be used in a different way.

[0079] The use of panel 1 mainly constructed of such latticeworkstructures 11 makes spaces separated by the panel 1 into such a mutualrelation that the visibility of an object in one of the spaces throughthe panel 1 varies with varying view angle with respect to the erectedsurface of the panel 1. That is, since the panel 1 has a nature that ata certain view angle, the squares defined in one of the latticeworkstructures 11 are closed with the crossed pieces of the otherlatticework structure 11 or with the crossed pieces of the samelatticework structure 11 like a blind, the visibility assumes themaximum when the panel 1 is viewed in a direction normal to the erectedsurface thereof, while when the panel 1 is viewed in a direction in theplane of the erected surface thereof, the visibility assumes theminimum. Thus, the visibility varies between the maximum and the minimumwith varying view angle (angle of inclination with respect to a linenormal to the erected surface of the panel 1). Further, since the panel1 is thus constructed, opposite residence spaces separated from eachother with the panel 1 are continuous with each other through thesquares defined in the latticework of the panel 1 and the internal spaceand, hence, sound and air are permitted to pass through such a spaceconnecting portion.

[0080] Thus, a condition is created which allows a person in a residencespace adjacent a certain residence space or a person walking in thepassageway beside the certain residence space to see the silhouettedinternal condition of the space as shown in FIG. 7 or 8, to knowfragmentary contents of a talk, and to vaguely understand a contextincluding the location of a group member and the kind of work being donewith lapse of time. The silhouetting function of the panel 1 isexercised because the pitches p1 and p2 of the latticework of the panel1 are relatively small as described above. Of course, it is possible toknow the location of a person and the contents of a work being done moreclearly if attention is given to the periphery of the silhouette.

[0081] The subject embodiment, in particular, is configured such thateach area is enclosed with panels 1 on the four sides thereof to definea closed residence space, the internal condition of which can benecessarily grasped from the four sides by a person in an adjacentresidence space, an adjacent passageway or the like, so that the imageof the inside condition of the residence spade is diffused toward theperiphery at the highest efficiency. Further, the subject embodimentallows a person in a residence space to vaguely see the internalcondition of a residence space situated adjacent to and beyond theresidence space next to the residence space where the person is presentthough the silhouette is thinner, so that workers are able to catch thesituation of the whole office extensively and hence to share thecontext, while their privacy is guaranteed to such an extent as to beneeded for their personal works.

[0082] Each panel 1 has a space S inside its panel body and the space Scan be utilized to accommodate wiring Ca therein as shown in FIG. 9.Since the structures 11 forming each panel 1 used in this embodiment areof latticework, the wiring can be led out in the direction normal to thepanel body from any position in the homogeneous portion of the panelbody through a square defined in the latticework. The “panel body”, asused herein, is referred to as a part comprising at least a combinationof the structures 11 and the frame member 12. Accordingly, panel 1 canexercise a function as a service wall that can accommodate to the needsof workers easily and properly even when the position from which thewiring is led out varies differently to meet different uses. Since panel1 used in the subject embodiment, in particular, comprises the pair ofopposite structures 11 facing each other, the wiring can be led out fromeither or both of the obverse and reverse sides of panel 1. Thus, panel1 of this configuration is effective particularly where residence spacesare formed on opposite sides of the panel 1.

[0083] Since the pitches of crossed pieces of the latticework of thepanel 1 are relatively small as described above, the crossed pieces ofthe latticework are expect to provide a blinding effect which concealsthe inside wiring by silhouetting, thereby preventing the wiring frombeing seen unconcealedly.

[0084] For the wiring function of panel 1 to be fulfilled effectively,it is effective that an appropriate wiring path hole or a like hole isdefined in a portion of the frame member or the like so that therespective wiring accommodating spaces of adjacent panels 1, 1 becomescontinuous with each other.

[0085] Further, since panel 1 thus constructed according to the subjectembodiment defines a space behind the crossed pieces of each latticeworkstructure, it is possible that interior equipment B is engaged withpanel 1 at a position in a homogeneous portion of structure 11 throughthe crossed pieces by means of an appropriate fixture or the like. Panel1 of such a construction enhances the freedom of selection of engagementpositions by far and hence is capable of exercising a function as aservice wall which satisfies heterogeneous and on-demand requests ofworkers properly. Since the structures 11 making a pair face each other,the interior equipment B can engage a crossed piece 1 a on either orboth of the obverse and reverse sides of panel 1 and mutual interferencebetween fixtures and the like hooked on the obverse and reverse sidescan effectively be avoided. It is possible to employ appropriate formsof engagement including an engaging structure utilizing a hook-shapedfixture, and a fitting structure utilizing a clip-shaped or clamp-shapedfixture to fit the interior equipment to the crosspieces of latticework.Examples of interior equipment B include interior equipment having awork surface such as a whiteboard, interior equipment having a displayfunction such as a tagboard, bulletin board, display panel and sign,interior equipment having a storage function such as a cabinet, shelf,sorter and storage shelf, a receptacle box, and a switch. Where anauxiliary panel is disposed relative to panel 1 to form a T-shapedarrangement, the panel 1 itself serves as interior equipment B.

[0086] Since panel 1 allows interior equipment B to be engaged with orsecured to the panel 1 at an appropriate position, the number of chancesof presenting ideas or thinking processes at an informal stage as wellas of displaying or presenting formally can be increased, which ishelpful in stimulating and activating creative works. Particularly wherethe interior equipment calls for electric power, the effect provided bythe latticework structure is enhanced synergistically since wiring Cacan be led out through a square defined in the latticework.

[0087] Further, it is effective that furniture to be disposed in buttingrelation to the facing part of panel 1, e.g., storage furniture 10 shownin FIG. 10, such as a panel shelf or a cabinet, is provided with alatticework 10 a assuming the same phase as and having an equal pitch tolatticework 1 a for engagement to be concealed by the furniture 10 whenit is disposed in butting relation to the panel 1. This is because thelatticework 10 a of the furniture 10 exercises the engagement functioninstead of the latticework 1 a even when the latticework 1 a of thepanel 1 is covered. Of course, such a compensating function may be anyother function than the engagement function as long as the functionalsections of the furniture are equivalent to those of the panel 1. Suchan arrangement is effective particularly where the functional sectionsare dispersed over the entire face of panel 1.

[0088] Meanwhile, the equipment according to the subject embodimentallows use of a variety of furniture articles regardless of buildingmodules. Representatives of such building modules are 3600 mm and 3200mm on a basis of pillar grid. Partition panel 1 usually employs astandardized width of 900 mm, which is a divisor of the former if thepanel 1 is compliant therewith, or a standardized width of 800 mm, whichis a divisor of the latter if the panel 1 is compliant therewith. Thereare various standardized widths, such as 400 mm, 800 mm, 900 mm, 1000mm, 1200 mm, 1400 mm, 1600 mm and 1800 mm, which are compliant withmodules for the top surface of a desk or table forming a work surface, acabinet, a human body and paper products. Since contemporary officesaccommodate a number of intermingled furniture articles compliant withdifferent modules, it is undeniable that when, for example, a furniturearticle of 800 mm width or 1600 mm width is disposed in butting relationto a panel face formed of joined panels 1 of 900 mm width, slightirregularity and unnatural gaps are formed therebetween.

[0089] In contrast, the subject embodiment permits use of a combinationof panel 1 compliant with a building module of a multiple of 900 nm andfurniture articles compliant with different modules for human body andpaper products.

[0090] Even when a gap is defined between an end of panel 1 and an endof a furniture article or between a joint between panels 1 and an end ofa furniture article as in the case where an existing light-shieldingpanel is used, the visibility of the gap is low and, hence, the gap isnot so tangible, since the presence of panel 1, which issemitransparent, is not felt so much. That is, panel 1 used in thesubject embodiment allows indefinite alignment with a building modulethereby making it possible to enhance the sharing and interchangeabilityof furniture articles. This is represented by the relation betweeninterior equipment B and panel 1 shown in FIG. 9 or the relation betweenlocker R and panel 1 r shown in FIG. 4. When a gap is formed, the gapcan be positively utilized as a space for installation of a switch, afire extinguisher or the like.

[0091] The width of each square defined in the latticework of panel 1used in the subject embodiment is set to 100 mm as already describedbecause this size accommodates to modules sized to multiples of 100 mmfor many conventional partition panels and furniture articles. For thisreason, even when a difference of a multiple of 100 mm in widthwisedimension is formed between joined panels and joined furniture articles,the other end of the joined furniture articles can always be positionedas conforming to a crossed piece of the latticework of panel 1, with theresult that incongruity resulting from a module difference is cancelledeffectively.

[0092] While one embodiment of the present invention has been described,specific features of the present invention are not limited to those ofthe foregoing embodiment.

[0093] For example, it is possible to employ an area layout such thatwork areas are arranged so as to surround a shared area and that trafficbetween each work area and the shared area is possible.

[0094] Guide member 4 of a loop or partial loop shape may have afunction of being fitted to a panel 1 positioned in any vertical planeradially extending through the center of an arc formed by the guidemember 4 within the effective fitting range of the guide member 4 by anyappropriate means. Such a configuration enables free selection of anydesired fitting direction of panel 1.

[0095] As other means for avoiding formation of a gap between a paneland furniture due to a difference between modules with which the paneland the furniture, respectively, are compliant, such means is effectivethat one of the panel and the furniture is provided with a sizeadjustment function capable of compensating for the gap.

[0096] It is also effective that the visibility through the panel isrendered variable. In this respect, an arrangement is effective which iscapable of driving crossed pieces of the latticework like a louver orwhich is capable of indirectly adjusting the visibility through thepanel by varying the luminous intensity inside or outside a residencespace.

[0097] If the furniture is semi-transparent, disclosure of localdocuments is facilitated so that the context of the whole office can beknown more effectively.

[0098] Further, it is effective that the guide member is provided with alighting instrument on the upper or lower side thereof. In this case theceiling or the floor is illuminated as reflecting the guide member and,hence, the guide member becomes more effective as a guidepost.

[0099] Other features may also be modified variously without departingfrom the spirit of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0100] The present invention, which is of the arrangement applicable tooffices or the like as described above, is capable of effectivelyrealizing the provisions of diversified space functions on a use-by-usebasis, semi-transparently screened spaces and a seamless space layout,thereby markedly raising the efficiency of a knowledge-intensiveorganization.

1. A residence space forming equipment comprising a plurality of erectedplanar members to be interconnected for forming a residence space,characterized in that: some of the erected planar members define agateway therebetween for entry into and exit from the residence space;and the erected planar members defining the gateway are interconnectedthrough a guide member having at least one portion protrudinghorizontally from an erected planar surface to indicate the presence ofthe gateway.
 2. The residence space forming equipment according to claim1, wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair of erected planarmembers positioned perpendicularly to each other; and the guide memberis of a substantially ¼ arc shape interconnecting the pair of erectedplanar members.
 3. The residence space forming equipment according toclaim 1, wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair of erectedplanar members positioned perpendicularly to each other; and the guidemember is of a loop shape interconnecting the pair of erected planarmembers.
 4. The residence space forming equipment according to claim 1,wherein: the gateway is defined between a pair of erected planar membersforming wall surfaces which are continuous and flush with each other;and the guide member is of a substantially ½ arc shape interconnectingthe pair of erected planar members.
 5. The residence space formingequipment according to claim 1, wherein: the gateway is defined betweena pair of erected planar members forming wall surfaces which arecontinuous and flush with each other; and the guide member is of a loopshape interconnecting the pair of erected planar members.
 6. Theresidence space forming equipment according to claim 1, wherein: thegateway is defined between three erected planar members assembled toform a substantially “T”-shape; and the guide member is of asubstantially ½ arc shape interconnecting the three erected planarmembers.
 7. The residence space forming equipment according to claim 1,wherein: the gateway is defined between three erected planar membersassembled to form a substantially “T”-shape; and the guide member is ofa loop shape interconnecting the three erected planar members.
 8. Theresidence space forming equipment according to claim 1, wherein: thegateway is defined between four erected planar members assembled to forma cross shape; and the guide member is of a loop shape interconnectingthe four erected planar members.
 9. The residence space formingequipment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the guidemember is capable of fitting a portion thereof to an erected planarmember positioned in a vertical plane that does not extend through thecenter of an arc formed by the guide member.
 10. The residence spaceforming equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein theguide member is capable of being fitted to an erected planar memberpositioned in a vertical plane extending in any direction through thecenter of an arc formed by the guide member within an effective fittingrange.
 11. The residence space forming equipment according to any one ofclaims 1 to 10, wherein the guide member has a wiring installingfunction.
 12. The residence space forming equipment according to any oneof claims 1 to 11, wherein the guide member is provided with a lightinginstrument on an upper or lower side thereof.
 13. The residence spaceforming equipment according to claim 1, wherein the guide member has acharacteristic configuration matching the function of the gateway.